In the end, Sasuke left with hatred burning in his eyes, while Naruto's memory was quietly erased by Hidan's Genjutsu. The boy was sent home, forgetting everything.
"It's really boring waiting for time to pass… Before the plot truly begins, everything feels so dull. The strong just hide in the shadows, waiting for their turn to pop out."
Hidan wandered through Konoha, muttering to himself.
Then, something caught his eye.
At the small playground in the village, a handful of children were gathered around the swings... the only play equipment tied to the trees. But instead of playing, they were hurling stones at a single girl.
"Don't play with this monster!"
"She's a freak, look at her eyes!"
"Yeah! Monster, get out of here!"
The little girl's pale face was streaked with tears.
Her pearly-white eyes darted about in confusion and fear. She didn't understand why they hated her, what she had done wrong.
Hidan's lips curved.
"My luck's good today. Ran into Hinata when she's still a loli."
The one being bullied was none other than young Hyūga Hinata.
"Oi! You brats! Bullying a little girl, don't you think that's too much?"
Hidan appeared beside Hinata in an instant, pulling her behind him as he glared at the children.
"You… who are you? Why are you butting in? We're just chasing away a monster!" one kid muttered, though his voice lacked confidence.
"Monster? You're the monsters!" Hidan bared his teeth. "Such a cute little girl, and you call her that? What a pack of nasty little gremlins."
Behind him, Hinata peeked up nervously. For the first time, someone wasn't calling her a monster.
Her heart swelled with something she'd never felt before.
"Treating a gentle girl like this… really pisses me off. Guess I'll just have to teach you a lesson."
The kids didn't even see his movements. In an instant, each of them had lumps swelling on their heads, bawling as they scrambled back home to their mothers.
Hidan dusted off his hands. "There. Done."
Then he turned and smiled gently at Hinata. "Are you okay? The bad kids are gone."
"D-Don't… it's okay." Hinata stammered, cheeks glowing red. She pressed her fingers together nervously, unable to meet his gaze.
Hidan chuckled inwardly. Adorable. Cuteness, innocence, shyness — all bundled together. When she grows up, even more stunning. Perfect loli 'training' material.
"Onii-san… aren't you afraid of me?" Hinata finally whispered, gathering all her courage.
This was the question that terrified her most. If even the one who saved her said he was afraid… her heart might shatter.
"Afraid?" Hidan crouched and smiled. "Why would I be afraid? How could someone as cute as Hinata be scary?"
He reached out and gently patted her head. Hinata froze, then let out a soft "whew~" sound like a kitten, her blush deepening.
But her eyes sparkled with joy. For the first time, someone outside her clan wasn't afraid of her eyes.
"Onii-san, will you play with me on the swing?" she asked, her voice trembling but hopeful.
"Eh…" Hidan hesitated. If anyone sees me, a grown man, playing on a swing… that's instant black history.
Hinata's face immediately fell, fingers poking together again, eyes wet with tears.
"Of course!" Hidan quickly replied.
"Really?" Hinata's entire face lit up like sunshine. She grabbed his hand and led him toward the swings.
"…" Hidan sighed inwardly.
"You sit, I'll push from behind, okay?" he said at last, deciding to follow along.
Hinata sat on the swing, gripping the ropes. Hidan gave a gentle push, and her laughter rang out like a songbird.
The playground filled with her joy. For the first time in her young life, Hinata felt pure happiness. And all of it was because of Hidan. Today would stay in her heart forever.
"Miss Hinata, it's time to go back."
At dusk, a Hyūga clan member wearing a Konoha forehead protector appeared, approaching the swings.
Hidan glanced at him, then ignored it, continuing to push the swing. If Hinata wanted to play, then even if Hyūga Hiashi himself showed up, he wouldn't stop her.
But Hinata's smile dimmed. She hopped down reluctantly.
"Onii-san, I'm going back… but I'll come find you again, okay?"
"Then we'll stop here today. Next time," Hidan agreed.
Hinata's lips curved softly. She turned to him.
"My name is Hyūga Hinata. Onii-san, what's your name?"
Hidan grinned. "My name is Hidan."
She etched the name into her heart, then waved goodbye before leaving with the clan member, who looked utterly shocked.
Hidan raised his hand and waved back, watching Hinata disappear into the distance.
He glanced around quickly...no FBI in sight. Only then did he let out a relieved sigh.
Looks like he got a free pass just for being a "kid." Well… a kid that was a bit too old to still be called a kid.
Hidan always felt like he was a child trapped in a slightly overripe child's body anyway.
"..."
Alright, fine...screw it. I admit it. I'm a damn pervert.
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